Cavs-Magic: Odds, lineups, injury report, prediction and TV info for Oct. 14

Preseason for the Cleveland Cavaliers is winding down, with them set to play at the Orlando Magic on Friday to conclude exhibition play. The 2022-23 regular season is getting going next week, with the Wine and Gold starting out at the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

Through three preseason games, the Cavaliers have gone 1-2, but they’ve had two promising performances in their first matchup at the Philadelphia 76ers, a close L, and a couple days back versus the Atlanta Hawks in a 105-99 W.

In this last preseason outing in Orlando, this one should feature fringe rotational guys getting their share of run, and Cleveland training camp invite players such as Mamadi Diakite and Sharife Cooper as well.

With that, we’ll examine the betting info, injury outlook/absences and potential lineups for Friday, in a game where we should see some well, unique combinations for stretches here.

Cavaliers-Magic: Odds, spread and over/under

According to FanDuel, the Magic are favored by 2.0 points over the Cavaliers here. The moneyline is set for -132 for Orlando and +108 for Cleveland.

As opposed to the Cavs’ first three preseason contests, there is an over/under set here for this matchup, with that being a total of 210.5 between the clubs.

Cavaliers-Magic: Injury report

Cavs injuries: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen (out, rest); Dean Wade and Dylan Windler (out, ankle); Kevin Love (out, knee); Ricky Rubio (out, knee); Jamorko Pickett (questionable, back).

Magic injuries: Markelle Fultz (out, toe); Jonathan Isaac (questionable, hamstring); Jalen Suggs (questionable, capsule/bone bruise); Gary Harris (questionable, knee); Admiral Schofield (questionable, knee);

Cavaliers-Magic: Projected starting lineups

Cavs starters: Raul Neto, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, Robin Lopez

Magic starters: Cole Anthony, Terrence Ross, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Cavaliers-Magic: Prediction

For the prediction here, I would expect the Cavs to get Evan Mobley some considerable time in the first half, to establish some of in-game rhythm prior to the regular season. Granted, Mobley has been out in the first three preseason games for Cleveland because of an ankle sprain, but it is encouraging that he’s since worked his back, and reportedly will be in action on Friday night.

It should be interesting to see how Mobley, who has worked a ton on his offensive game over the offseason, can play against Banchero, and perhaps at times, Wagner. Maybe the Cavaliers look to zone up a bit in this one, too, with Mobley as an integral piece there.

As for other keys for this contest, how LeVert and Okoro could factor some into their standing heading into the season, given the starting 3 battle, however, here, I’d expect plenty of the story being which fringe pieces step up.

And also along those lines, does Diakite have another great outing? Does Cooper have ample opportunities in this one to make a case to stick in some capacity, such as being the other two-way guy aside from Isaiah Mobley instead of RJ Nembhard Jr.?

I probably would lean the Magic in this one, anyway, as their young, promising frontcourt has looked very good in preseason, and I could see them looking to get more regular rotational guys solid minutes. It’s understandable, in regards to Cleveland’s approach to this one, though.

Prediction: Magic 108, Cavs 102

How to watch or stream Cavs-Magic:

This preseason finale can be viewed on Bally Sports Great Lakes and Bally Sports Florida, as far as in-market options for both, for those subscribed.

For streaming, NBA League Pass should have this Cavaliers-Magic tilt, for those subscribed, and for another streaming option, you can do so via FuboTV with a free trial.

Cavs upcoming schedule:

Following this preseason finale at the Magic, the Cavaliers will begin their 2022-23 regular season next week, with two road matchups to start things off. The season opener will be at the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, and then Cleveland will take on the Chicago Bulls on the road on Saturday.

After that Bulls game, the home opener for the Cavs will be on Sunday versus the Washington Wizards, with that being the first back-to-back scenario of the season for Cleveland. That early on, I wouldn’t think that’s too much of an issue, though, and the squad by then I’d hope is well-conditioned for those instances.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.